The East of Iceland does not get the attention from travelers it deserves. It has many lovely destinations, looks, and feels different from other parts of Iceland. The explanation is that it is geologically much older than many other parts of the country. It also has the best weather. Icelanders living in the southwest of Iceland often envy the high temperatures reported from the country’s east. It is pretty insufferable! Vök Baths in the east of Iceland is an essential stop when you explore the region.

The many beautiful destinations of East of Iceland

East of Iceland has many must-see destinations. They include Stuðlagil Canyon, The Wilderness Center, Hengifoss waterfall, the lovely town of Egilsstaðir, and many other beautiful fishing villages nestled under rugged mountains. For a long time, I have had a fruitful partnership with Vök Baths. The baths have been located near Egilsstaðir and Stuðlagil Canyon for years. I thought it was time for me to interview a team member. Luckily, Guðlaug Margrét Jóhannsdóttir, Vök Baths, who manages their marketing, social media, and HR with my team, was able to take from her busy schedule to get the inside scoop on what Vök Baths offers and get some great travel tips for east of Iceland.

Hey Guðlaug, thank you for taking the time for this interview. Please give my readers a little background information on you.

My name is Guðlaug Margrét Jóhannsdóttir. My workplace is Vök Baths, where I manage marketing, social media, and HR with my team. I live in Egilsstaðir with my boyfriend, our two beautiful daughters, and our dog.

I was born and raised in East Iceland, and I like to think that I have a special bond with the beautiful nature and surroundings in the area, which is why I chose to move back home after getting my Bachelor’s degree in Tourism in 2019. Since then, I have worked at Vök Baths, which opened the year after I moved back home. Promoting such a unique destination has been an exciting journey. Vök has been such a refinement for the area, bringing an exceptional experience highlighting the region’s natural beauty and attracting locals and visitors.

Can you share a fun story about your experience working at Vök Baths?

One of my favorite memories from working at Vök Baths was during one freezing winter when we had visitors from warmer climates who had barely seen snow. It started snowing heavily, and instead of rushing inside, they ran into the hot baths. They were so amazed, laughing and taking photos. It felt like they were experiencing a magical moment. The contrast between the warm geothermal water and the freezing snow created a unique atmosphere, and their joy was contagious. It reminded me of how unique and special Vök Baths is and how fortunate I am to be part of creating these unforgettable experiences for our guests.

Vök Baths has excellent reviews on the big travel platforms. What guides you and your team in operating the baths?

We’re proud of the great feedback Vök Baths gets. For us, it’s all about offering an authentic, relaxing experience in this fantastic environment. We focus on ensuring our guests feel welcome and cared for, whether it’s their first visit or they’ve been here many times. Sustainability is also important, so we’re mindful of using local resources. Ultimately, it’s about creating a space where people can connect with nature and leave feeling refreshed.

What can people who visit Vök Baths in the East of Iceland expect?

Our visitors can expect a truly unique experience. The baths are built right into Lake Urriðavatn, offering a beautiful setting where you can soak in geothermal waters while surrounded by beautiful nature. In the winter, the Lake is perfect for an icy plunge, and in the summertime, It’s ideal for a cold swim. The contrast of the warm baths with the crisp Icelandic air is something special. Guests can also enjoy our steam bath and cold mist tunnel, and they cannot forget our pool bar. Each entrance includes herbal tea from the lake’s pure water and handpicked local herbs. Overall, it’s a place to relax, reconnect with nature, and experience something authentic in East Iceland.

What advice do you have for people visiting Iceland for the first time?

For anyone visiting Iceland for the first time, my most significant advice is to embrace the country’s stunning nature and be prepared for unpredictable weather. Don’t organize and plan too much; instead, embrace the surprises that the country has to offer. That way, you will never be disheartened that your plan didn’t go as expected if the weather or road conditions throw you into a loop. There are beautiful waterfalls and amazing scenery all around the country, so don’t feel obligated to visit only the ones you see on social media.

What places and destinations can you recommend in East of Iceland?

There are countless beautiful places to visit in the East of Iceland. There are all the fjords with their fishing villages and the beautiful hiking trails all over the region. For my personal favorite, I would have to mention Stórurð. For those interested in longer hiking trails, Stórurð is the perfect trail surrounded by beautiful nature and majestic mountain peaks. As you ascend, you will see the giant boulders scattered across the terrain, turquoise pools in green meadows, and Dyrfjöll mountains in the background. It’s an otherworldly experience.